Stock Shock Life Expectancy?

[space_coast_lt]

How long should the stock shocks last?

Thanks.

Jeff

[usmctpdog]

Good Question & what setting do most people use on the preload ?

Single and 2 up?

[cws]

No idea about life extpectancy, yet.. hope its damn long!
As far as pre-load, I found from my first ride that if it wasnt wound right down (with recommended tyre 42/48), that I occassionally bottomed out on any bumps with partner aboard, and we arent heavy being 13 stone and about 8.5 stone respectively.
I rode it wound right down 1-up for the first 6 months, until I realised I started feeling a little harshness in the ride, then backed it off about 1.5 notches.
But I like it stiff to help minimise peg scraping while cornering.

Good Question & what setting do most people use on the preload ?

Single and 2 up?

[Zotter]

Single, empty bags - 48psi rear - I run it at 1/4 down

Two up, empty bags - 48psi rear - I run it at 3/4 down
1 up, loaded bags

Two up, loaded bags - 48psi rear - I run it full down

Right? Wrong? - hey, it works for me. YMMV

No idea on rear shock life - but I've heard some comments here that make my wallet grey...

[ranks]

I think most people say 20-25K, some people keep em to 40K, but they do go pretty quickly.

[dshealey]

How long should the stock shocks last?

Thanks.

Jeff

They typically start to get noticeably softer and less controlling around 24-30,000 miles. I went to about 45,000 before I finally got the desire for Ohlins so bad that I went for them. That was TOO LOONG! About 36,000 miles the stock shocks were toast!

Put the Ohlins on, and it felt like an entirely new bike, better actually.

The great thing about the Ohlins and Wilburs are that they are re-buildable, about $80-120 per shock, so although a bit more money up front (around $1200 vs over $800 for new stocks) the first time you rebuild them the difference is more than made up!

Most of us would likely suggest that you seriously think of upgrading in the 30-40,000 mile range at worst, maybe even 25-30,000. I would not go over 36,000 again!

[HarvRead]

My first rear shock was replaced at 130k, it was not, repeat not, Shot. The front was replaced at about 55k and the new (stock) front didn't seem to make much difference. Now: the stock front bottoms too easily, even when brand-new. So the Ohlins migh be a good idea to allow you to crank up the pre-load (the stock front is non-adjustable).

[Shogun54]

Jeff,

I replaced mine at ~22K with Wilbers. Probably should have done it sooner, and would have if I had known what a tremendous difference it makes.

When will yours wear out? I would think it depends upon your usual load and riding style.
I am a big guy (240+) and load the bike down for a 3-5K trip every year. I ride very aggresively in corners, brake hard, and generally thrash the bike. My shocks were toast after about 20K. If you ~~tour~~, smell the flowers, ride with lighter loads, and don't toss the LT around like it's a XXL crotchrocket, I would agree with David's assessment of around 30K. That's really pretty good mileage for motorcycle shocks; my GSXR's was fried after 8K.

HTH,

[c00k1e]

Mine has done over 60k and is still going strong - just come back from a trip fully loaded with large pillion - no problems

[TimVipond]

Might have the record here.

Replaced front shock at 87,000 miles in my 2000 when noticed torn boot in ball joint on bridge. Also the shock was bottoming out enought to crack the front fender where the painted part butts up against the black part. Check your front fender painted section to see if it has a "smile" shaped mark where when the shock is compressed can meet the upper fairing at the headlight.

Still have the rear shock at 135,000 miles. Had to refill the knob resevoir once or twice to regain full adjustment range. Procedure is in here somewhere. Still do 2 up touring. I weigh 210 and wife weighs 130 with gear. Ride sedately with her and she does complain about occasional harsh bumps. When I ride solo I ride at a sport bike pace in a sport bike club. Often scrape both sides on corners when very aggressive.

Thought about replacing shocks with Olins and Wilbers, but dismayed on initial cost and how often they need rebuilding. I would rather ride than wrench. Also the ABS brain died and would cost $2,000 to replace. Transmission went out recently and somewhat concerned about when the final drive will go. Engine still as nice as the day I bought it. So bit the bullet and bought a 2006. I really like the improvements in HP, torque, the electric center stand, suspension and handling. I'll sell the 2000 when it gets its transmission replaced under my extended warranty. Still has 2.5 years, unlimited mileage warranty left and will put it for sale soon for $5-6K.

[sanjaun2]

I am reasonably happy with the rear shock, but the front bottoms out way to easily and is a little loose in the corners. Can I get Olins or Wilbers for the front only? Would that be taboo like mixing bias and radials? Anyone try it?

[kdog]

My first rear shock was replaced at 130k, it was not, repeat not, Shot. The front was replaced at about 55k and the new (stock) front didn't seem to make much difference. Now: the stock front bottoms too easily, even when brand-new. So the Ohlins migh be a good idea to allow you to crank up the pre-load (the stock front is non-adjustable).

This just blows my mind. At 24K miles, I cringed every time I saw a pothole. I couldn't stand it and ordered Ohlins. The front shock showed up first, and I put it on so I know exactly how much improvement it gave me. Tremendous. I actually drove around looking for my usual potholes to hit. For a while, it seemed like I kept missing them because I wasn't getting the *bang*. Instead, the bike just kind of oozed over them. That's called compliance, and that's what you get with fresh shocks, and even more so with a high performance shock. When the rear shock showed up and I installed it, I will admit that the difference wasn't as dramatic. Comfort wise there wasn't as much of a change, but the handling was significantly improved.

Since installing the Ohlins, I've noticed the familiar *bang* starts showing up around 20K or 25K miles, so I send the shocks out to get rebuilt at that point.

In fact, I just finished installing my shocks after their 3rd rebuild. This time I had them done in an authorized Ohlins repair center, and seems to be the best rebuild yet. I'm back to oozing over the potholes, and it feels just wonderful. The bike has a planted feel, and the difference in handling, especially when cornering on rough pavement is huge. You're tires aren't hopping any more -- they stay stuck to the pavement and your handlebars stay steady and true.

Shock wear is a gradual thing, so you don't notice the changes day-to-day. It's not just your riding comfort and handling that suffers as your shocks wear. Those bangs are also getting transmitted to your other suspension parts and the rest of the bike, which will eventually take its toll there too.

And you're not alone Harv. I believe Don Arthur also went over 100K miles on stock shocks. It's a mystery to me why it doesn't bother you guys. You ought to hop on a bike with fresh Ohlins some time to see what you're missing. You're welcome to try mine if you're ever in NY, or maybe at CCR.

Regards,
-joel

[kdog]

I am reasonably happy with the rear shock, but the front bottoms out way to easily and is a little loose in the corners. Can I get Olins or Wilbers for the front only? Would that be taboo like mixing bias and radials? Anyone try it?

See my previous post. But yes, the front shock makes the most dramatic difference. I rode with a front Ohlins and a stock rear shock for a couple of months, and that combo works great. I'd probably look into topping off the preload adjuster fluid level on the stock rear shock to get it tuned up. Folks have reported it makes a big difference. Apparently it's easy to do without pulling the shock. You might find the stock rear shock adequate that way.

Regards,
-joel

[dshealey]

Mine has done over 60k and is still going strong - just come back from a trip fully loaded with large pillion - no problems

No shocks, motorcycle or automotive can last that long and still work reasonably well. Assuming you are speaking of 60K miles, not kilometers. Even if it is kilometers the stock shocks are well into their final days.

The problem is that shocks deterioriate SLOWLY, so the rider has no relative judgement. You perceive little to no change over a short time, so it always seems "normal".

Put new shocks on your bike, and you likely will be absolutely amazed at how bad your original's were!

[wmal]

Even though the car felt like it was handling fine, I realize that shocks degrade slowly over time. When I went to the Ford dealer to see about shock replacement on my 96 Mustang Gt Conv.with 100K mi., I was told that unless they were bent or leaking, there was no need. a second dealer told me the same thing.


Wayne Malaise
2000 Canyon Red

[space_coast_lt]

Thanks to all for their replies. There seems to be a significant personal factor involved. In my case, my shocks are noticeably softer than new and I am at about 25K.

I like the long term answer of using re-buildable shocks with better than stock performance.

Time to shop for new toys!

Jeff

[kdog]

Even though the car felt like it was handling fine, I realize that shocks degrade slowly over time. When I went to the Ford dealer to see about shock replacement on my 96 Mustang Gt Conv.with 100K mi., I was told that unless they were bent or leaking, there was no need. a second dealer told me the same thing.

http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/pillepalle.gif

[dshealey]

Even though the car felt like it was handling fine, I realize that shocks degrade slowly over time. When I went to the Ford dealer to see about shock replacement on my 96 Mustang Gt Conv.with 100K mi., I was told that unless they were bent or leaking, there was no need. a second dealer told me the same thing.


Wayne Malaise
2000 Canyon Red

I have had a lot of cars, and driven lots of miles on them, but never had anything over 80,000 miles on which the shocks were not completely shot. I normally replace them at 60K on cars, and always find them either leaking and/or with no gas pressure left at that time, but the LT's shocks go LONG before that. Motorcycles are much harder on shocks than cars anyway, probably because of the much lower "sprung weight" causing a lot of very small movements, where the much heavier components on cars damps the little vibrations.

[c00k1e]

No shocks, motorcycle or automotive can last that long and still work reasonably well. Assuming you are speaking of 60K miles, not kilometers. Even if it is kilometers the stock shocks are well into their final days.

The problem is that shocks deterioriate SLOWLY, so the rider has no relative judgement. You perceive little to no change over a short time, so it always seems "normal".

Put new shocks on your bike, and you likely will be absolutely amazed at how bad your original's were!


When I first came on this forum I was amazed at the shocks threads, my ST1100 is only on its 2nd rear at 160k, I knew they needed doing when I bottomed out ONCE fully loaded 2 up . On my K at 45k I asked BMW if I needed to change my shocks every 40k as per forum thread at the time - they said of course not.
This weekend I have been touring on the Isle of Wight, some pretty bumpy roads - 1 up, 2 up and fully loaded 2 up. Yesterday I was loaded 2 up on the A4 doing 90mph+ on those excellent sweepers - no problems at all.
I am not saying that old shocks are going to be perfect, of course they are not, but if they do the job perfectly well why spend a fortune replacing them all the time?
Mind you, if anyone here wants to chuck their 'old' 40k shocks my way I would be very grateful!

[kdog]

I guess if you're happy with them, that's all that matters.
Some of us can't stand the bike with 25K on the shocks. Other folks have no problem running 'em up to 100K miles. To each there own I say. :)

-joel

[jkersh1]

At 52,000 my mechanic said maybe think about replacement in another 12K.

[Stoker100]

As long as I am OK with the handling, the shocks are not bottoming out, there is no leaks, rips, damage, then keep the stock shocks?
larry

[kdog]

As long as I am OK with the handling, the shocks are not bottoming out, there is no leaks, rips, damage, then keep the stock shocks?
larry

Ask JKersh's mechanic. He seems to have it all figured out.

Regards,
-joel

[Steve_R]

Well, I can tell you for a fact that if you ever upgrade from factory to Ohlins, Wilburs or Works shocks, you'll realize how bad your shocks really are. I pulled my Ohlins off for a rebuild the last weekend in March and put on reasonably new factory shocks that are on loan from a good friend on this board. Thanks Dick.

Here are my perceptions from going from good to stock. One up, I bottom out going over speed bumps and the bike does not hold the road as well as it does with aftermarket. Two up, it bottoms out sooner and I feel like have to push harder on the handle bars in the curves to get it around. Also, I'm dragging parts sooner one up or two up.

The bad news is, I'm waiting for a new piston, bushing, and reservoir hose to be shipped in from Sweden. They had most of the seals at the warehouse in N.C. So for the time being I'm riding what I call a severly limited handling motorcycle. :( Of course that did not keep me from getting a Performance Award a couple of weeks ago. That should keep all my HDDC buddies real happy since they all know my bike so well. ;) :D

[motorhead]

:eek: Maybe I missed it ? ... but has anyone in this thread looked at service life of the shocks like tires & road surface quality :confused:

That equal to a guy who rides the slab a lot getting 20K from tires ... WHY does his tires last so long ? ... Not working them hard & causing wear ;)

The Curve cowboys among us will waste the same tires in 7K miles ... WHY is because we are working them and wearing them out.

*** So is a shocks life equal to how much it's worked ... Crap roads with a lot of activity from shock will wear it out a "LOT" faster than a smooth road will.

My stock shocks were pogo sticks at 15K :mad: And my tires due to the same roads are bald in half that distance.

*** So IMHO, their is NO golden rule to a shocks service life.

Scott

[scout70]

So with all the talk about Ohlins/Wilburs, what might be the life expectancy? More or less than the stock shocks? I just ordered Ohlins and don't plan on rebuilding them on a regular basis.

[dshealey]

So with all the talk about Ohlins/Wilburs, what might be the life expectancy? More or less than the stock shocks? I just ordered Ohlins and don't plan on rebuilding them on a regular basis.

My experience was that the mileage before they start to go south is just about the same, but a couple people have posted that the first time just a nitrogen re-charge brings them back, the second time probably should do seals too.

If you can get to the charge fitting on them, they likely can be recharged without removing them from the bike. That would require noticing which side the charge port is on when they are installed.

[Steve_R]

I forgot to put in my post (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=61248#poststop) that the Ohlins have 40,000 miles on them. I'm sure I don't ride as hard as some others, but you see what is being replaced. I will advise of everything and cost that was done during this rebuild.

[rmg08057]

I'm with Joel on this.

At 95k now, I am just heading for my second rebuild on the Wilburs.

I got the Wilburs at about 35k - I reckon that was about 10k too late.
I got the first rebuild about 30k later (from memory) and they needed it.
I am about to do the 2nd rebuild now and they definitely need them.

I must say that with both front and back Wilburs, I think the bike handles nearly as well 2-up and going fast as it does 1-up.

I am not so sure that sitting on the freeway, at any speed, is a adequate way to judge the overall quality/state of the suspension. I think you could get many more miles than 25-35k if thats basically all you did. If its compliance you are after, I have never lost a mirror since the Wilburs have been on (including putting a front wheel out of round) but did a number of times before that.

[c00k1e]

:eek: Maybe I missed it ? ... but has anyone in this thread looked at service life of the shocks like tires & road surface quality :confused:

That equal to a guy who rides the slab a lot getting 20K from tires ... WHY does his tires last so long ? ... Not working them hard & causing wear ;)

The Curve cowboys among us will waste the same tires in 7K miles ... WHY is because we are working them and wearing them out.

*** So is a shocks life equal to how much it's worked ... Crap roads with a lot of activity from shock will wear it out a "LOT" faster than a smooth road will.

My stock shocks were pogo sticks at 15K :mad: And my tires due to the same roads are bald in half that distance.

*** So IMHO, their is NO golden rule to a shocks service life.

Scott

I think you have probably hit the nail on the head here. On the ST1100 forum I was getting people disbelieving my tire milage compared with theirs - I dont use the brakes much - all gear control. My tires have only needed changing once since I have had the K - 2 years. Same with brakes. Not that I am a slow rider - I just dont believe in jamming on the brakes at the last second.
Also, I tend to use smooth roads. Maybe in the US, your roads are rougher, more pot holes or concreate strip freeways. Last weekend I did 4-500 miles and hit just one small pot hole. The bumps I talk of here are not contreate strip jurkers, but rolling country lanes.
Dont get me wrong, if you ride in London, you had better be on an off road bike, there are massive pot holes. And we have a few sections of concreate road (A12 still?) but on the whole (although we still complain) our roads are very good.
Riding style and road conditions - make a lot of $ difference

[dshealey]

Probably right. I know our So Cal grooved concrete freeways eats up tires faster, and we have plenty of bumps! Not just the expansion joints in the freeways either.

I ride a couple miles every day over a section of freeway that was built over a landfill, and it is like a roller coaster because of the constant settling.

[TBob]

I agree Joel - I have 20k and can't wait to upgrade the suspenders.


This just blows my mind. At 24K miles, I cringed every time I saw a pothole. I couldn't stand it and ordered Ohlins. The front shock showed up first, and I put it on so I know exactly how much improvement it gave me. Tremendous. I actually drove around looking for my usual potholes to hit. For a while, it seemed like I kept missing them because I wasn't getting the *bang*. Instead, the bike just kind of oozed over them. That's called compliance, and that's what you get with fresh shocks, and even more so with a high performance shock. When the rear shock showed up and I installed it, I will admit that the difference wasn't as dramatic. Comfort wise there wasn't as much of a change, but the handling was significantly improved.

Since installing the Ohlins, I've noticed the familiar *bang* starts showing up around 20K or 25K miles, so I send the shocks out to get rebuilt at that point.

In fact, I just finished installing my shocks after their 3rd rebuild. This time I had them done in an authorized Ohlins repair center, and seems to be the best rebuild yet. I'm back to oozing over the potholes, and it feels just wonderful. The bike has a planted feel, and the difference in handling, especially when cornering on rough pavement is huge. You're tires aren't hopping any more -- they stay stuck to the pavement and your handlebars stay steady and true.

Shock wear is a gradual thing, so you don't notice the changes day-to-day. It's not just your riding comfort and handling that suffers as your shocks wear. Those bangs are also getting transmitted to your other suspension parts and the rest of the bike, which will eventually take its toll there too.

And you're not alone Harv. I believe Don Arthur also went over 100K miles on stock shocks. It's a mystery to me why it doesn't bother you guys. You ought to hop on a bike with fresh Ohlins some time to see what you're missing. You're welcome to try mine if you're ever in NY, or maybe at CCR.

Regards,
-joel